Age Is Just a Number

Zara’s POV: 

Strapping on my backpack, I grab the trash bag and head out. Going on my toes, I threw the bag inside the trash can, “Ew.” 

Feeling two arms around my waist, I jump forward and let out a loud, yelping sound. I pat my chest, “William, you scared the living daylight out of me!” 

Ever since I came back from New Jersey, William has been behaving weird and touchy. He grins, placing his forehead on my shoulder. “Good morning Angel,” his voice was huskier than usual, turning me around, placing a kiss on my forehead, and pulling my body into a hug. 

“Too tight, can’t breathe, I mumble into his chest, patting his muscular back. I can feel his chest vibrating, a wondrous laugh escaping his throat. 

Gently, I wrap my arms around him as he sways us back and forth. “You’ve been weird lately. Are you doing drugs? Can you hook me up with some?” I ask in a playful tone, attempting to get rid of this weird atmosphere around us. 

“No drugs, just realize something, that’s all,” he hums, scanning my body. “You look cute today,” he whispers. 

I can feel my heart racing, blood rushing towards my cheeks. Don’t overthink it, Zara. He just meant it in 

an older brother kind of way. 

When I saw a red truck passing by, I pushed William back. “My boyfriend is here!” I scream joyfully. throwing out my fakest laugh. 

“Right, boyfriend,” he repeats my word, followed by a strained smile. 

“Bye, Muffin!” I shout, rushing towards lan. 

Jumping inside the car, lan lifts a brow at me. 

“What?” I scowl, throwing my backpack down. 

He turns his head towards William, who was standing there, arms cross, staring at us. lan looks back at me. “I’m telling you. Creepy stalker,” he sang. 

“Telling you, little sister.” I sang, pointing two fingers at myself. 

He rolls his eyes. “If I die, it’s on you,” he turns on the engine, taking us to school. 

When we pass by William, I place two hands in the air, waving at him, a smile on my face. He lifts a hand, waving back, with a small tight smile. 

1/4 

“Fakest smile I’ve ever seen,” lan mumbled. 

My head twists towards him, a smile still on my face. I lifted a hand and pinched his arm. “Shut up.” I sang, letting out my fakest laugh, then instantly stop, shooting him a glare. 

“Did anyone ever say you couldn’t sing for shit?” he said, rubbing the place I pinched him. 

“I’m a great singer!” I defend myself, knowing I can sing as well as a cat that got run over. 

He snorts. “Says who?” 

“William said I’m an amazing singer” 

He let out another snort. “Of course, creepy stalker dude would say that,” he said mockingly while I crossed my arms, puckering my lips 

lan clears his throat. “You know, it’s not cool talking about another guy in front of your boyfriend,” he tries to sound serious. 

“It’s also not cool using your girlfriend to get into another girl’s pants,” I respond. 

“Touche, you bitch.” 

I know, asshole.” 

He pulls into the parking lot, and I grab my stuff. “Wait,” he said, opening his car door then jogging towards mine. “My lady,” he said, placing out one palm at me. 

I couldn’t help but snort, taking his hand. He grabs my backpack, along with his, flinging it over his shoulder. We walk to school, holding hands, being the ideal–shit–couple. I can feel the curious stares in the back of my head as well as some murmuring. 

We head into school, and people outright stare at our joint hands. Nina saw me, closed her locker, and walked towards us. “Still don’t approve of your fake relationship,” she whispers. 

“Well, I didn’t approve of that dress you bought, but you brought it anyway,” I respond, remembering the day Nina made a mistake in purchasing an extended grey dress that was yelling I am the cement on the ground. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I can see her eyes narrowing. “So, not the same thing.” 

She grabs me from lan, pulling me into the girl’s bathroom. I watch as she opens each stall, checking if anyone is inside then walking back towards me. “I know you’re hurt because of Wi- 

“I’m not hurt. I come to accept that he “I pause, attempting to calm down. “That he only sees me as a younger s-” I start choking on the word. “sister, and nothing 

Ore,” I said out loud, 1 

ying not to hurl out my breakfast. 

She crosses her arms, tapping a single foot. “And you’re okay with that?” 

I lean against the bathroom wall, checking my bitten nails. “Totally okay,” I respond with a head nod.. 

1/4 

Nina takes a step in front of my body. Then, why did you spend the whole weekend with William? At his house? Alone? And don’t tell me you didn’t because I freaking live next door.” 

I stand up, straightening myself. “Hey, it wasn’t me. William was the one who said he wanted to spend time together, and as his little s-” I pause, choking on my word once more. “sister, I won’t say no,” I respond. hoping it makes sense. 

She ran her tongue through her cheek. “And nothing happened this weekend?” 

Rubbing my eyes, I woke up to see the spot beside me empty. I sat up, throwing my arms in the air, stretching my aching body. Having the wildest urge to pee, I walked to the downstairs bathroom. 

Grabbing the doorknob, I opened the door, jaw–dropping on the ground. William was standing there in nothing but a white towel, brushing his teeth as the water traveled down his perfectly sculpted abs. 

My breath halted as my eyes roamed towards his tattoo, a pitch–black cross surrounded by a ribbon above his heart. There are some Latin writings, but I never had the chance to ask him what it says. Not many know it, but William is Roman Catholic. He would go to church every Sunday, and he never missed a single day. 

I used to go with him when I was younger, but I got bored and often fell asleep. So, he doesn’t take me unless I want to go, which I rarely do. 

He wanted to get more tattoos, but he didn’t because his mom doesn’t like it. Sometimes, I feel like that isn’t the real reason. 

He spits out the foam and rinses out the toothpaste. “Do you need to use the bathroom?” He asked. 

I merely nod, eyes staring at his mouth watering body. 

“Alright,” he said. 

I nodded again. 

He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms across his defined pecs, flexing his muscles. “Hey, miss pervert, my eyes are up here,” he said teasingly, and instantly, I looked up at him, seeing a sexy smirk on his lips. 

“You’re still busy here? Okay, I’ll use the bathroom upstairs,” I said quickly, running towards the other 

bathroom. 

Reaching the bathroom, I slammed the door shut, a sudden urge to pee disappearing. “What the fuck, why is he in the guest bathroom?” 

Standing up. I walked back and forth for a few minutes. Pulling my pants down, I forced myself to pee, digging my nails into my hair in the process, trying to forget what I saw. Finally, I finish doing my duties; I wash my hands along with my face, praying it will wash away all my sinful thoughts. 

When I arrived downstairs, I could smell bacon and pancakes. Pushing the door open, the smile on my face quickly dropped when I saw William standing there in black sweats, hanging off his torso, flipping the 

2/4 

pancakes. 

I don’t know whether this is heaven or hell. But, if this is hell, I’m ready, Satan, open the doors. 

He turned his attention on me, a smile on his face. “Hungry? Want a sausage?” 

“Excuse me?” I squeaked, eyes maneuvering downward. 

“Sausages, I made sausages,” he said, showing a plate filled with sausages. 

I let out a laugh, and grabbed a sausage, “Right, those. Yeah, sure, I mumbled. 

He leaned against the counter, beside me, a sly smirk on his lips. “Like my sausage?” 

“What?” I replied, mouth filled with food, trying not to choke. But, if I choke now, maybe William will give me CPR 

He pointed at the sausage in my hand. “Do you like the sausage I made?” 

“Oh, right! This 

This sausage! The food sausage!” I said, letting out an exaggerated laugh. “It’s good,” I replied 

in a monotone voice, turning my attention back to the food. 

William placed both hands on the counter, trapping me. “How good is the sausage?” He questioned and I peered up to see him chewing on his lower lips. 

My eyes lowered, mouthwatering when I saw a close up of his defined muscles. I know this thought itself makes me sound like a total pervert. But I want to bite his nipple. 

“It’s a g–good s–sausage.” I stuttered out, feeling like I need to call the paramedics because I am one step away from having a heart attack. 

“Do you want to eat some nuts?” he whispered. 

“What?” I yelled, dropping the half–eaten sausage. 

“Nuts for your pancakes,” he said, twisting his brows together. 

Oh, gosh, Zara, get your mind out of the dumpster. Why does every comment he makes sound so suggestive? 

“I would love some nuts,” I said slowly. 

“So, a banana and two nuts?” 

At that moment, I knew what happened. “You’re doing this on purpose!” 

“No, nothing happened,” I responded casually and walked out of the bathroom.